The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-11-19

for us to believe, that were they ever so
religious, they could attend on bad days
from such distances as Mt. Vernon
eight miles-and the Fairfax estate nearly
five miles from Alexandria, especially,
when we think of the roads OF that far
off time, all ruts or corduroy" logs.
Fort Foot, painted in deep mourning;
deserted save as summer garrison, or
depot for stores, is our next objective
point; very lean mail bag and one
black boy are deposited on the wharf, and
we resume our way down stream, and ere
long we have arrived at Fair View--a pic
mic or excursion resort, where we leave
family party we'll supplied with baskets
of eatables; and its newly-painted pavil-
ion, swings and giraffe-like "roller coast
or" are soon behind ue.
To our left Fort Washington's solid
masonry energies into view, browning a
commanding bluff; but no longer frown-
ing defiance at a trembling world, for its
port holes carry no wide muz
zles OF guns; or, are the echoes Of the
tread of sentinels heard on her ramparts;
modern improvements" having super
seeded by new inventions her powers of
defensive or offensive warfare. The
grass grows green on wagon roads and
paths, and few signs of animal life are
visible. A squat lighthouse sits like a
wart on the nose of her pier to warn
"marir ers' off these dangerous coasts of
foggy nights.
THE PASSING BELL.
A few minutes more of tranquil sailing
when the bell tolls solemnly, as bells
have tolled for eighty odd years, when
vessels pass the spot where repose the
ashes of one who was "6rst in peace, first
in war, and first in the hearts of his coun-
trymen," for Mt. Vernon can be seen
through the green foliage that crowns
the heights on which the mansion stands
The high, grand old front porch, with it's
square columns, the red tiled roof above,
surmounted by the little round lookout
once dignifed with the name of observa-
tory, and the low bslustrade skirting the
sloping caves, finishes the picture. 1t
looks just SO every time we see it, and so
long as there is friend left to cherish it's
sacred memories it will look for ages to
come.
I have made many pilgrimage to this
shrine in days of yore, and it never pals
or ceases to be interesting; and many
turbid mood of mind has been soothed
into calm when on my way to this spot,
with the companionship of some genial
soul who enjoyed it equally as we'll.
When on the water my cares" like the
Arabs, seem to have "folded their tents,
and silently stolen awayl" Such is the
influence of sky and the beautiful, sooth-
ing water
When we land there is always a rush by
the crowd to get off first, except by a few
who have learned that nothing is gained
by undue haste except to get unnecessari-
ly furried.
Ernestine was born with an instinct
for sightseeing, while her companion,
Maurice, is all for business" and has
deferred to this late day the finishing
touches of polish, which travel and hav-
ing seen objects of interest imparts, but
Ernestine has taken him in hand; she in
tends to finish his education on this trip
where expense is not to be considered,
and she tows him along, and imparts in
formation most mercilessly
The Captain tears off our coupons for
the return trip as he passes each passen-
ger from the "Corcoran to the shore.
Those who are too feeble to walk up the
gentle slope leading to the tomb, can ride
in I" bus " il they wish, while the re-
mainder, leisurely walk up the shaded
wooden-paved road; general solemnity,
or quiet has hushed all voices to low tone;
for the impression of the place begins to
weave its magic spell over most minds
when they enter these grounds, hallowed
by such associations as break down all
party lines, and voice but one sentiment,
profound respect for that transformations,
and simply great man who "sleeps well"
beneath these shades. The red brick
tomb, grated with iron doors disclose two
marble collins wherein repose the dust OF
Washing ton and his beloved wife Martha.
Other, and statelier shafts rear their eu-
logistic Inscriptions on the squares out
side; their only distinction being that
kindred blood empurpled their veins.
From thence parties proceed to the
house, visiting the old tomb, and the sta
bles, and servants quarters by the way,
towed along by that irrepressible, indie
fatigsble photograph man, who on
reaching the porch brings out his instru-
ments, (already charged, TO take pictures
at a minutes notice,) from their hiding
places, and he quickly arranges the crowd
in focus for group, that is those who
will submit and stand still long enough
But less vain souls rebeIliously move
away and am fain to own that our party
formed a nucleus for the rebels to rally
round.
Taking one sweeping view from the
porch with its square, well worn stones
down and over the noble river, beautiful
in the sunshine under fairest of skies
fecked with white sails, we went into the
first open door, which, by crossing hall